Open houseThe Pittsford Area Schools District Open House is set to be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27.

» Read more

X

Open house

The Pittsford Area Schools District Open House is set to be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27.

PITTSFORD — Pittsford Area Schools Board of Education held their first regularly scheduled meeting with new superintendent Deanna Edens on Monday evening.

At the opening of the meeting, an item scheduled for an audit presentation was removed from the agenda because it was not ready in time for the August meeting.

In the first round of public comment, one member of the community informed the board that a group of community members has gathered to assist in the cleaning of the school grounds. At the July meeting, it had been brought to the board’s attention that some people were concerned with the appearance of the grounds. It was noted that as a point of community pride, some parents were willing to volunteer in aiding with ground work. The group plans on assisting in upkeep by pulling weeds around the school and athletic facilities, in addition to handling other issues that need attention.

In Points of Pride, it was noted that many proceeds from “Stuff the Bus” campaign have been donated to Pittsford students.

During the information items portion of the meeting, school board president Robert Clarke informed the board that board vice president Dave Billington submitted a letter of resignation, effective immediately. Billington was not present at the meeting.

Board policy states that the board must have a vice president. Clarke said the position must be filled by the middle of September or one would be appointed by the Hillsdale Intermediate School District.

Cindy Fenton moved to name Amy Hinkley vice president, and Greg Mallar supported. Hinkley was approved unanimously by the board for the position.

Clarke further informed the board and the public regarding upcoming school elections.

“There will be two six-year seats and two four-year seats,” said Clarke. “Five people for two-year seats and one person for two four-year seats have showed interest.”

There is still one seat that will need to be filled. Clarke said Friday, Oct. 24, is the final date for anyone to be a registered write-in candidate. The seat would become vacant in January if no write-in candidate fills the seat in fall elections.

In the event of that happening, the board would have to accept applications in the office to elect a school board member to fill the vacant seat through 2016.

The board has also scheduled a special meeting for 7 p.m. Sept. 8. to interview candidates to fill the current vacant seat.

In other business

• Superintendent Deanna Edens suggested creating a study session for 15 minutes before the scheduled board meetings to discuss any issue that may be impending for Pittsford Schools.

“It’s just an idea for open communication before board meetings,” said Edens.

The board accepted Edens’ proposal and plans on a study session prior to the next regular meeting on Sept. 15.

Page 2 of 3 - • Edens also brought to the board's attention a need for petty cash in the school’s office. The cash would be set aside for shipping costs that frequently arise and it would eliminate paperwork and replace reimbursement forms. The board approved the idea on grounds that the cash would be locked in a safe. The board voted to set up a petty cash box in the amount of $50.

• Clarke informed the board that the school received an email regarding school tobacco policies. The email suggested making potential changes to the language of the policy. Proposed changes would make the policy uniform with the rest of the county and tobacco-free schools. The board recognized a need to clarify present language for being tobacco-free campus.

• The board discussed at length reassignment of duties. Specifically, given the numerous organizations within the school, the current system of record-keeping for funds has been inefficient.

“There are too many responsibilities for the staff that we have,” said Clarke.

The board suggested analyzing the budget and resolved to post for a part-time business support position.

• Regarding the upcoming school year, Edens noted that there are currently 29 kindergarten students enrolled for 2014-15 and the district only has one kindergarten classroom.

“Several more students have enrolled this week,” said Edens.

She proposed looking into a Title II class-size reduction grant.

• The board also approved Pittsford National Honor Society’s trip to New York in March. Students and parents attending the trip will leave Wednesday, March 18, and will return that Saturday.

The trip is paid for by the students through fundraisers. None of the money will come from the school.

• In new business, the board approved the first reading of the district’s Emergency Anaphylaxis Policy. State law states districts must have two epipens on site for emergencies.

Edens stated that the one physician she has spoken to is hesitant to write the required prescription to a school district, therefore, she would need to talk to more physicians to find one who was willing. Additionally, the district will need at least two people trained to administer the medication.

“We’re going to designate more than two people,” said Edens. “We’re all going to take the safe schools training so we know what’s going on. Our children who already have prescriptions can bring their pens to school and we will store it for them. This is for emergency situations.”

• At the close of the meeting, Stacie Clark stated that the athletic booster club has about $45,000 set aside for a new track.

“The track is in really bad shape, and we are working on fundraisers,” said Clark.

Discussions of the track led to larger discussions about the school in general.

Page 3 of 3 - “Issues with the building should be addressed,” said Clarke. “Sooner rather than later. If the building is to survive there’s going to need to be significant money put into it. Replace the building or fix the one you have.”

The board discussed possibly putting a proposal on a ballot in the future.

“It could be a sinking fund or a smaller millage,” said Clarke. “The next ballot in May would need to have a proposal to the clerk’s office in February.”